Pakistan's chances to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals were severely dented after loss to India in Dubai, following an earlier defeat by New Zealand. They must beat Bangladesh and rely on other results to advance based on net run rate. Only the top two teams go through to the last-four stage.
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MS Dhoni, at 43, is showing he can still compete at the highest level ahead of the IPL 2025 season with the Chennai Super Kings. During training, he showcased his classic skills, including his famous 'Helicopter shot', impressing with a strike rate of 220.55 last season despite knee issues.
Pakistan's batting coach Mohammad Yousuf has withdrawn from the New Zealand tour because of his daughter's illness. No replacement will be named. The squad departs for New Zealand on Wednesday. Following Pakistan's Champions Trophy campaign, Yousuf was appointed for the series including T20Is and ODIs. PCB will advertise for a permanent head coach after the tour.
Harleen Deol's maiden century propelled India to a 115-run victory over West Indies, sealing the series lead. Her knock of 115, along with contributions from Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues, helped India achieve an impressive 358 for five.
Kerala and Gujarat have progressed to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals in contrasting fashions. Kerala narrowly edged Jammu and Kashmir by a one-run first-innings lead, while Gujarat dominated Saurashtra with an innings and 98 runs win. Despite not having players in the top 20 run-scorers, both teams exhibit strong team spirit and determination to excel.
Australia clinched a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle. Chasing 75, they lost only Travis Head before lunch on day four. Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann claimed four wickets each, with Kuhnemann emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the series. Steve Smith achieved a milestone of 200 Test catches.
India's Rishabh Pant adopted a cautious approach on the first day of the fifth Test against Australia due to the challenging SCG pitch, scoring 40 off 98 balls. Pant is striving for a balance between aggression and defence, acknowledging the mental challenges during rough patches. Australian debutant Beau Webster concurred on the pitch's demanding nature.
India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the Champions Trophy semi-finals with consecutive Group A victories. India beat Bangladesh and Pakistan, while New Zealand triumphed over the same teams. India are playing all their matches in Dubai. Australia's Pat Cummins pointed out that it gives India the benefit of staying in one location
Rohit Sharma has navigated a challenging phase from a disappointing series loss against New Zealand to leading India to a Champions Trophy win. Despite criticisms and speculations regarding his form and fitness, Rohit's decisive captaincy and resilient performance have reaffirmed his significant role in the team.
Lucknow Super Giants received a boost with pacer Akash Deep joining ahead of their IPL match against Mumbai Indians. After recovering from a back injury, Akash Deep is now fit and set to enhance LSG's bowling lineup. He bolsters the team amidst injuries to players like Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, making this crucial for LSG's playoff hopes.
The Gabba prepares for a pre-Christmas Test between Australia and India, with hopes of a lively pitch offering a balance between bat and ball. Australia's historical dominance at the venue in December contrasts with recent January losses. The curator aims to replicate conditions from a recent Sheffield Shield match.